Makueni Governor Kivutha Kibwana and Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka have congratulated Timothy Maneno for winning the Nguu-Masumba ward by election.
Maneno, who ran as an independent candidate, won the hotly contested seat after he garnered 2,894, while UDA candidate David Musau got 2,223 and Wiper party’s Eisho Mwaiwa 1,601 votes.
According to the Makueni governor, the people of Nguu-Masumba have made their intentions clear that they have opened a new chapter in the region’s politics.
“I congratulate the People of Nguu-Masumba Ward for their determination to uphold democracy. They have spoken loud and clear in electing Timothy Maneno. I thank all the gallant leader-volunteers who supported The Independent candidate,” he said.
Kalonzo Musyoka in a statement on Thursday said the people of Nguu-Masumba have spoken through the ballot and they will respect their decision.
“We take this early opportunity to congratulate Timothy on winning the Nguu/Masumba ward seat on an independent ticket,” he said.
“We also thank other candidates including our Wiper candidate Eshio Mwaiwa and UDA’s Daniel Musau for putting up a brave fight to capture the seat.”
Deputy President William Ruto also commended his party candidate for good performance, despite not winning.
He also congratulated Maneno for his victory.
“Coming second in the tight race is a demonstration that we are breaking tribal barriers and establishing a new culture of issues-based politics. This is refreshing! Hongera Mheshimiwa Timothy Maneno kwa ushindi wako! Hats off Hon. Eshio Mwaiwa of Wiper for your brave show,” Ruto said in a tweet.
The by-election was largely seen as a supremacy contest between Governor Kibwana, Kalonzo Musyoka and William Ruto who all had candidates vying for the MCA seat.
The seat fell vacant after the death of former MCA Harrison Ngui who died after the vehicle he was driving collided head-on with a lorry at ACK area, Salama, along Mombasa—Nairobi highway, in June.
Ngui was travelling to Nairobi from his home at Nguu when he was involved in the accident at around 6.30pm.
